Easter Cruise Day 4 - Arm to Arm.

They say this time of year one can expect extremes of weather.  Well they certainly got that right!  After yesterday's warm and wet weather we woke to clear sunny skys and a frost.  The heating was soon on as the fire had been allow to die out over night.

We got underway at 9am as usual leaving Whitchurch arm with no wind and not a cloud in the sky.

The most photographed lift bridge at Whitchurch.  The arm is just of to the right of frame

 At the next lift bridge Chris found a novel use for the mooring bollards.  Why not use them as dog lead retainers?  Worked a treat.

You won't forget me mum will you?  He is learning to wait better now but only if mum stays close by.

The run to Prees Junction was fine in the sunshine but the cut was so quiet.  We have never known the Llangollen to be so quiet.  Hardly any boats about not even moored.  We did eventually find ourselves behind two hire boats, one of which pulled out behind the hire boat in front of us causing us to slam into reverse quickly (and no apology given).   They kept going, following far to closely to the boat in front of them almost button to button.  Eventually the lead boat decided enough was enough and pulled over to let us all through.  This meant at the next lift bridge we could let the hire boat crew in front do all the work.  I know, I know, thats not polite but karma does working in interesting ways.

We cruised the long straight sections to the last lift bridge before the Junction and for some reason the hire boats behind were nowhere to be seen so we worked the bridge alone and continued on our way.  We later found out that their dog had jumped off the boat to chase a pheasant and it took all the crew to round up and get the dog back aboard.

By now the sun was bright and the day pleasantly warm.  Even Smudge settled on the aft deck and enjoyed the warmth as we went along.  AmyJo seemed to be happy too and purred along nicely.  All was well with our lot at last.  This is what we dreamed of doing one day and here we were fulfulling the dream.

A rare moment for Smudge to be settled

Once again no boats about as we rounded the junction.  Where was everybody?  This is so not like the canal over the last 3 trips we made when it was as bad as the M25 and queues everywhere.

Were are all the boaters?

Not a soul about.

Can't pass Prees without a picture of the house.

The marshes were well flooded after all the rain

At last!  A boat going the other way. 

At Hampton bank we were passed by what can best be described as a floating skip.  This is a digger and the two crew, covered in mud, looked miserable having a hard time steering the thing which barely made way through the water.  I certainly felt for them.  No shelter if it rained for them.

A rather ungainly looking vessel.

Shortly after we made the Meres.  At Cole Mere the local sailing club was enjoying the fair weather.  We could make out several Laser dinghies and a Wayfarer.

Dinghies on Cole Mere.  Would like to sail here, looks fun.

At this point Smudge started to get restless, a sure sign he needs to go.  I dropped him and Chris off at the next bridge hole and the pair walked the rest of the way to Ellesmere.

Passing by the Meres,  a really pretty section we both look forward to.

We both feel from here on the canal gets prettier by the mile

Just before Elesmere town is a tunnel. At only 87 yards long Ellesmere tunnel is a little tricky to enter as its entrance is on a slight bend.  I got AmyJo in without problem but the hire boat with the wayward dog which had now caught up hit the parapet hard with an bang that echoed through the tunnel.  I guess that is a quite common occurrence here as on the left of the portal entrance a block of wood now replaces the brick about where most cabins hit it.

Entering Ellesmere tunnel

I think Chris quite enjoyed the walk as she kept ahead of AmyJo and I.

We arrived at the Ellesmere arm about 2pm and found where all the boats were.  Here!  The arm was chocker full but some walkers informed Chris an Anderton hire boat had just left so we should be able to moor in their place.  I entered the arm with Chris ashore on the radio commenting where the space was.  When I got there sure enough there was a space but, it was just a tad to small for AmyJo and we thought we would have to leave it.  Fortunately one of the moored boaters offered to move his boat back a bit and we gratefully squeezed in button to button with the boats back and front.  As a thank you I proffered the boater a can of beer and we chatted happily for over an hour.  All the while boats arrived looking for a mooring and left disappointed.  We consider ourselves lucky and our belief that boaters are generally a good bunch restored.

AmyJo is squeezed in fourth boat along

Later I went out with the camera to get the above shot of our mooring and as I returned I spotted the kind boater who let us in teaching this young lad who came from another boat how to fish.  It so reminded me of happy memories as a lad when my grandfather taught me to fish.  He was a naval man through and through, I think thats where I got got my love of all things boaty.  I oft wonder what he would make of AmyJo.  He'd probably ball me out for not keeping her navy ship shape though for sure.  So wish he was alive to see her.

I too have happy memories of moments just like this with granddad.

Tomorrow we're giving AmyJo the day off and will explore Ellesmere town.  Chris has a few bits she wants to buy if she can get them and, as the weather forecast is for wind, we think we'd be better off staying put.

Total distance:12.36 miles Elapsed time:5h23m45s Locks:0 Bridges:28 

Average speed:2.29 mph (2.29 lock/mph)

Easter cruise Day 3 Wrenbury to Whitchurch

This mornings weather was grey and overcast and deteriorated as we cruised.  We left the mooring at the usual 9am and there was rain in the air.  The sort you feel occasionally but everything slowly gets wet.  Once again we were the only boat on the move, going through the lift bridge on our own without the sudden appearance of boats behind like previous years.

We locked through Quoisley, Willey Moor and Povey locks meeting few boats coming the other way.  After Povey lock Chris spotted our first lambs of the season.  They looked to be only a few days old.

Our first sighting of lambs this year.

 By now the rain was becoming more persistant and the pram hood was raised to stay dry.  Chris though, insisting in lock wheeling, got her wet gear and wellies on.  Where there was no road Smudge was allowed off the boat and was very well behaved most of the time

Waiting patiently whilst mum works the lock

Working hard and no smile this time

 We reached the Grindley Brook locks around 1pm.  As I started into the bridge below the bottom lock I sounded the horn and got a reply.  A boat was just coming out of the lock.  He waited as I came through the bridge and we passed each other.  Apparently he stopped and cheerily called "You tooted first so I stopped".  Never heard of that one before but it was gentlemanly of him to allow us through none the less.

Not sure why but the middle of the three locks below the staircase has a totally differant type of paddle gear on the lower gates.  Its hydraulically operated and you had to wind for ages to lift or lower the paddle.   Glad there are not too many of these.

The middle of three locks below the staircase

 We worked the locks, Chris setting the lock and, when I was in, opening the paddles.  When safe for me to get off she went on to set the next lock and I single handed out of the lock using our tried and tested, "exit the lock then put it in reverse, nip off whilst the boat is still going forward and close the gate then wait for AmyJo to return to me" method.

At the staircase we went straight in and met the locky in the middle chamber.  She is one of the most helpful and chatty lockies we have ever met and enjoy a chat with her each year.

After a brief pause for water and lunch we continued a short way to Whitchurch.  The visitor moorings online were all taken but were surprised to find only two boats in the arm. As it was now raining hard we decided to call it a day.  Flushed with my success at reversing at Christleton I reversed AmyJo into the arm and onto the moorings below the winding hole.

Thankfully little wind made reversing easier

Sods law.... no sooner had we tied up the rain stopped and the sun came out.  After a cuppa we took Smudge for one last walk before settling down for the night.

Online moorings full of boats

 We found a lovely trail that went through woods and lead back to the cut so a nice round walk to end the day.  By now Smudge was exhausted so is now sound asleep after tea as I type.  He'll get a short walk before going to bed.

Still loads of energy to dash around this field

Our mooring for the night.

 I think the reason for the arm being so empty is a large building site on the offside is currently well underway though being a weekend is thankfully quiet at the moment.

Is this building site why the arm is empty?

Interestingly another boat has just reversed in in front of us called Sammy Jo.  I wonder if it is so named for the same reason as AmyJo?

Total distance:7.14 miles Elapsed time:4h58m37s Locks:9 Bridges:26 

Average speed:1.44 mph (3.24 lock/mph)

Easter Cruise Day 2 Barbridge to Wrenbury

This morning we were woken by Smudge who was desparate to go out at 6:30.  Poor fellow must have had an upset tummy as we did not make it in time.  Enough said about that.

With angry looking sky we slipped the lines at 9am and cruised the short distance to Hurleston Locks.  Like Bunbury, they too were bereft of life, ours being the only boat to climb the lock.

I nosed AmyJo onto the lock landing and Chris let down the first lock.  When ready, it was a tight turn to line AmyJo up to enter the chamber.  I had to gently nudge her port bow onto the wall to allow the stern to swing round and line up.  There are barely 4 inches of room in the lock so its esential to line up before entering the chamber.

Turning onto the lock landing is the easy bit

You can see  just how tight the lock chamber is.
Some boats get jammed in this lock on occasions because they are slightly too wide.

In she goes, just.

Meanwhile our stick chewer took no interest at all.

Eventually, having had his fill of sticks, Smudge came back aboard for his reassuring cuddle.  We tend to forget he is still a puppy at 8 months old and likes that little hug to let him know all is well.
.

Happy now he got a cuddle from dad.

 Chris, however has to wait for her cuddle later so soldiered on lock wheeling.  By now those black clouds were gone and the sun made a most welcome appearance resulting in temperatures warming nicely putting a smile on our faces.

One thing I love Chris for is she is always smiling no matter what is occurring.

The top lock and still no boats around.

On exiting the top lock we could here a familliar knocking coming from the prop.  Time to visit the weed hatch, so we pull up and got the hatch off.  Nothing more than a large twig was found so either that was causing the knock or, the prop jockey had fallen off as I reversed to a stop.

We soon past through Burland and then Mountbatten and her butty moored looking forlorn.  Is a shame John and Hannah no longer do the coal runs as we always enjoyed doing business with them.  Having the baby I think they made the right choice to go shoreside, though I have a feeling once the she gets older we might see them back on the cut one day.

Both Swanley and Baddily locks were in our favour so we passed through them in no time.  We found Wrenbury moorings almost empty so moored in a lovely spot between the trees in full sunshine so the solar panels could make the most of it.

Total distance:6.99 miles Elapsed time:5h47m59s Locks:10 Bridges:13 

Average speed:1.20 mph (2.93 lock/mph)

Easter Cruise Day 1 Tattenhall to Barbridge

Today we said a fond farewell to Tattenhall Marina for the summer as we are now staying out until October.  We will still be staying fairly local to Chester as Chris still has to work and does not want to retire just yet.

Smudge and I will cruise AmyJo when needed and Chris will commute to where ever we tie up.  We're not leaving the marina for good and plan to return for the winter.  I'm also getting better at single handing too.

Today, however,  Chris has two weeks off at the end of the term so we're making our now annual trip up the Llangollen.  We do so like this canal and it will also be our first long cruise with Smudge.

Our first lock of the trip, Wharton's lock No. 35 near the Shady Oak

Smudge not at all phased by the locks he prefers to chew sticks while mum does all the work

Waiting for mum at the lock beam.  He's not too sure about crossing yet.

 We were Billy no mates going through the next locks passing only two boats all day heading for Chester.  Despite the slight drizzle it felt so good to be out and about again.

Chris and the boss set off to work the next lock

 Between Tattenhall and Barbridge there are Wharton lock, Beaston Iron lock, Beaston Stone lock, Tilstone lock and Burnury staircase locks to pass through.  All double locks but with correct use of the paddles quite gentle to get through.

Tilstone lock with its round toll house

 Bunbury staircase was almost in our favour, just the top chamber needing to be filled whilst I motored into the lower chamber.  The place was deserted and no sign of the Anglo Welsh staff at all.  All their boats were there on the wharf and even the shop/office was closed.  There was no sign of tow path walkers either with or without dogs.  Felt quite peaceful in fact.

A boat did arrive eventually above as the top chamber was almost full and we crossed paths as we transitioned into the next chamber with brief hello's exchanged.  Sadly no famous Bunbury shuffle today.

Bunbury locks are a delight to pass through.  I always look forward to going through them.

After 5 hours of cruising we made Barbridge to find it busy with moored boats.  We found a slot on the towpath side and deployed our anti Shroppie shelf devices for the first time which proved a success.

You can just see AmyJo at the right of frame.

The anti shelf devices are in fact plastic wheel barrow wheels that were sold very cheaply in Aldi some time back.  They work 100% and keep the boat out far enough to miss the shelf but not too far as to make getting on and off a problem.  When not in use we tie them to the stern seat posts and hang them over the transom.

Our new anti Shroppie shelf devices deployed

As I type this at 8:20pm we have discovered why the moorings are so busy.  It appears an Elvis Presley tribute singer is performing in the Barbridge Inn tonight.  To be fair he is darn good too so we're quite happy to sit with the side doors open getting free entertainment! "Thang you vury much uhu"

Tomorrow we turn right at Hurleston and onto the Golly.

Total distance:8.19 miles Elapsed time:5h22m54s 

Locks:6 Bridges:15 Average speed:1.52 mph (2.64 lock/mph) 

Engine Service and Spring Clean

It was time for AmyJo to have her engine serviced.  The Beta 50 has now done 800 hours but being a year ago it was last serviced we rang Chris Jones and booked him to do the service.  I'll be doing them from now on as the warranty will be up next year.

I took the opportunity to have a little cruise and a week online I so slipped the mooring on Monday morning and stopped at Waverton Eggbridge mooring.  Though designated for C&RT workboats we knew one would not be requiring the moorings so we were OK to stay.

On Tuesday I prepped AmyJo for the engine service.  Our back cabin engine cover is on several levels so serves as steps and steering platform.  The iron framework supporting the covers is easily unbolted into a series of blocks and removed giving ample space to work round the engine.  I spent the rest of the day cleaning the engine bay.

Covers removed the engine is easily accessible

 Chris arrived first thing on Wednesday and gave the Beta a thorough check over, replacing oils in engine and gearbox.  Changed all the filters and check belts and mountings.  All was well so afterwards I replaced the Cheshire Cat pub and spent the next few days there.

Able seaman Smudge stands guard at his favourite spot whilst we fill with water

I returned AmyJo to her mooring on Saturday with the weather improving all the while.  It was warming and the sun was making an appearance.  This trend has remained right up to today. 

I reversed AmyJo onto her mooring and commenced to wash and scrub the winter grime off her.  The last couple of days I've had the polish out and she's starting to look her shiny self again.  I do so hate it when she's dirty.  Tomorrow I'll turn her round and clean the port side.

All clean and shiny though the gunwales need a coat of paint soon.

Meanwhile young Smudge has been enjoying the warmth outdoors and has been out on the jetty most days and also on our neighbour's boat with her dog Albert, a Dalmatian.  The two are now best pals and love to be together.  At nine years old Albert is looked apon by Smudge as his mentor and so what ever Albert does Smudge copies.  They do so enjoy each others company and Albert has a spring in his step when he is with Smudge.

Smudge is now fully grown into a lovely boat dog.  Here he is looking out for Albert.

We getting AmyJo ship shape for our first cruise up the Llangollen in a few weeks time.  Can't wait.  

We're still here

Hi all,

Just a quick post to let you know we're still aboard AmyJo in the marina planning our summer cruises but with not much of note to post about we did not want to bore you.  Little Smudge the dog is no longer a puppy but is growing up to be quite a character.  Like all Terriers he is head strong and stubborn but is doing well.

Got some cruises in mind for the summer so more on these in another post and latest is we're pulling out of Tattenhall in March for the summer and living online until next winter so should have something worth posting about.  We become "lingerlongers" for a while.  Chris will still be working so we'll not be able to stray too far.

Hope everyone is OK out there.    So sad to hear about Fiona on nb Epiphany.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to John.  We only met them briefly crossing paths at Hawkesbury Junction in 2014 but Fiona's posts were of great help to us when we were starting the road to living the dream. She will be greatly missed.

So for now hope summer is good to you and maybe we'll see you at Crick boat show.  

Happy New Year!

Christmas Greetings

Merry Christmas every one from Chris, Smudge the dog and myself.

May 2017 bring reality to all your dreams and wishes.  Good health and good cheer to one and all.